Gallery: Colourful chaos: thousands get messy for kids’ development
It was squishy, squashy, slimy, and goopy – a free “Messy Play” event which attracted around 1500 people on the Sunshine Coast, all in the name of child development.
Yesterday’s event by national not-for-profit Play Matters is the largest of five held throughout Queensland, to encourage children under five to explore, play, create, and get their hands dirty.
Play Matters’ Regional Manager – Sunshine Coast, Michelle Poole, said the messier the better, with messy play scientifically proven to aid development.
“Playing with tactile items like slime, mud, and goop, splashing in water, and getting creative with blocks, balls, and dough, really helps to light up those neurons and assist in developing key skills, from fine and gross motor skills, through to sensory awareness and socialising with other children,” Ms Poole said.
Digging for dinosaurs, painting with spray bottles, crafting with playdough, diving into buckets of slime, dunking cars and trucks in water, and a quieter baby zone, will all be part of the fun of this year’s events.
“Around 90 per cent of a child’s brain develops by the time they turn five, and while we know the setup and clean-up of messy play can be discouraging for parents and carers, giving children the opportunity to explore new sensations and materials and to really get messy and dirty is a vital part of a young child’s learning.”
This year, child safe organisations were also in attendance, offering an opportunity for families to ask questions and to connect with local community groups, playgroups, and service providers.
Queensland Family and Child Commission Principal Commissioner, Luke Twyford, said playtime was an opportunity to strengthen our communities.
“A thriving community is one that has strong families and happy children, and that’s why events like Messy Play are so important,” Mr Twyford said.
“Playtime is more than just fun; it’s a foundational way children express themselves and learn to engage with the world around them.
“It can also provide a safe space for families to meet, get to know each other, and share experiences, which can grow their support networks and community connections, all while spending precious time together.
“I highly recommend taking the time to head to get creative, colourful, and carefree together.” “We’d also thoroughly recommend bringing a change of clothes for your little one,” Ms Poole said. “But as for cleaning up the rest of the mess? That’s on us!”